During the recent Young Community Shapers gala event, Bulelani Nameka walked away with top honours for his project to uplift his community.

He received R60 000 towards his Isikhokelo homework and reading project. The runner up, Lucy Khozi Skoshana, received R30 000 for her Ikghono Lelutjha Project.

During the event that took place at The Venue in Melrose Arch, the nine finalists had the opportunity to showcase their community projects.

Nameka, with the help of a group of volunteers, helps 50 children between the ages of 9 and 13 who struggle with reading, writing, spelling and mathematics. Through his project he was also able to build a library for a primary school. He acquired 12 computers that he uses to teach computer literacy and has established a programme to mentor Grade 6 learners. Stationer and school uniforms are also supplied to needy learners.

Skoshana runs a programme that assists children of parents who need to leave for work early, making sure these children attend school and helping them with their homework. With a group of volunteers, she looks after 50 children between the ages of 4 and 17. The children are encouraged to take part in activities such as soccer, netball and dancing, as well as creative activities such as painting and drawing. Children are further taught to grow vegetables in the vegetable garden that was established to feed the children that are part of the programme.

The remaining seven finalists each received R10 000 for their projects.

The Young Community Shaper Initiative is made possible through the sponsorship of the ICC Buying Group and the member companies, namely Bibi Cash & Carry, Big Save, Savemoor, PriceRite and Raimondi’s Trading Company, as well as the involvement of major sponsors SABC education, Shift, Unilever, Rainbow, Premier Foods, Nestlé, Tiger Brands, Entyce Beverages, Snackworks, Little Green Beverages and Colgate.

 “It takes great heart and effort to change a tarnished environment for the better- especially if you’re young and financially disadvantaged,” says Gert Scheepers, CEO of the ICC Buying Group.